Promilla K Dhawan

Promila Khanna Dhawan, daughter of Munilal and Kamlavati Khanna, was born in Amritsar, India on November 9, 1945 and was the 8th of ten children. She was extremely close to her family. Siblings- Late Nand Kishore Khanna, Late Bhagwan Dass Khanna, Late Om Parkash Khanna, Late Hind Kumar Khanna, Late Savita Mehra, Late Prem Lata Mehra, Poonam Khanna, Ashok Kumar Khanna, and Pran Nath Khanna. At a young age she was very able and determined. She was the first woman in her family to go to college and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sanskrit. She was part of NCC (National Cadet Corps) India. Her stubbornness and determination created the path for all the women in her family and community for higher studies. On October 16, 1972, she married Dr. Devindra Dhawan and her only daughter, Vibha, was born in 1977. They moved to America in 1979 and she attended Nursing school in Chicago. They later moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1982. Her passion was photography. As an entrepreneur, she opened a successful Sub Shop. She later got her license as a LPN, certificates in Phlebotomy, CNA, teaching. She worked for hospitals, laboratories, and the American Red Cross. She occasionally worked as a substitute teacher. There was a time she had two jobs just to provide for her family. Ma was a bhagath of Vaishno Devi. She would spend hours and days chanting and worshiping Mata. She devoted her entire life to God, family, and friends. She believed in duty, seva, and women’s equality and independence. She was a breast cancer survivor. She always would go above and beyond to help her friends, family, and people she just met; in spite of her schedule and health issues. She considered her friends as her family. She treated all children like her own. She would always say to me, “As my father says, you must keep your hand in your own pocket.” In Daytona Beach, she started hosting poojas at her condo clubhouse with great pride and joy with her friends. She felt that our children should learn where they came from. She loved hosting parties, helping out in special events, and singing at Mata ki Chowkis. She was spiritual person, who mastered the art of astrology and palm reading. Her proudest moments included the marriage of her daughter to Shantanu. She gained a son. Her greatest joy and motivation in her life were her grandchildren, Meera, Cyrus, and Selena. She left a lasting impression on all who met her. Ma was strong, fearless, and affectionate. Her presence will never be forgotten.

Promilla K Dhawan

October 23, 1942 - October 2, 2017